Showers are possible, though, throughout South Jersey and "the farther south you are [from NYC], the more likely it is you'll have to worry about rain," Kines said.

Conversely, those heading to Westchester, Connecticut, Vermont and other northern climes for their holidays can congratulate themselves, they're heading in the right direction if a dry July 4 is their goal.

Last year's Independence Day weekend was a wish-filled wash-out: 1.78 inches of rain fell July 3 and .14 inches descended in Central Park on July 4. But this year's fireworks should have better conditions and visibility.

Saturday should be about 4 degrees under the average high for July 4 (or 84 degrees), with Sunday creeping up into the low 80s.

"The Long Island Sound temperature is close to 70 degrees right now," Kines said, adding that is about par for this time of year, but still -- kinda chilly. Given the desire of many New Yorkers to cleanse their memories of a particularly horrible and snowy winter, though, "I guarantee you there will be people in the water," he added.